I have not made too many quilts yet but after I read a suggestion here on the board, I have started a quilt binder of the quilts I make. The binder contains plastic sleeves containing the pattern, swatches of the material I use in a quilt, and photos.
However, if you don't plan to make the pattern again, it might not be worth the trouble of saving... but I would definitely find a place/person to donate them.